AirAsia X & Mister Potato Fullfills Dream of Boy With Rare Disease

AIRASIA X & MISTER POTATO FULFILLS DREAM OF BOY WITH RARE DISEASE TO WATCH MAN UTD AT THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Flies Muhammad Anas Sadiq to London in living his ultimate dream

Kuala Lumpur, 8 November 2011 –AirAsia X, the leading long-haul low fare airline in Asia in collaboration with Mister Potato, The Official Global Partner of Manchester United, flew Malaysian die hard Manchester United fan, Muhammad Anas Sadiq, age 16 to the UK.

Muhammad Anas Sadiq, is afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) since he was young. DMD results in muscle degeneration, difficulty walking and breathing. His courage and strength in fighting the illness has been tremendous. A football enthusiast since he was young, Muhammad Anas Sadiq has always been a Manchester United football fan.

Anas in front of Old Trafford with the Mister Potato mascot all geared up for the game

The partnership in collaboration with Mister Potato entails three return premium seats for Muhammad Anas Sadiq and his parents; mother Siti Nazriah binti Diman and father; Aminuddin bin Abu Bakar. AirAsia X also sponsored a flight for a staff member of Mister Potato and six flights for the media. The 5 day trip from 2 to 6 November 2011 allowed the young football enthusiast the chance to experience football like never before as he was given the ultimate Manchester United experience- an opportunity to watch the game LIVE, dine in the hospitality suite, toured the stadium in Old Trafford and best of all, an opportunity to meet the entire Manchester United squad at Carrington, United’s training ground. To add to the personalised experience, Mister Potato dedicated a welcoming message to Mohammad Anas on the digital advertising boards in Old Trafford during the match against Sunderland, which was broadcasted to over 1.8 billion viewers worldwide.

AirAsia X CEO, Azran Osman-Rani said “The partnership with Mister Potato, is part of our CSR initiative for a good cause. We have in the past raised funds for heart patients of Institute Jantung Negara (IJN), pledged a sum to the earthquake heritage restoration fund in Christchurch, launched the “To Japan with Love” campaign, a donation drive in helping aid the tsunami and earthquake victims, nurtured local talents in fulfilling their dreams and many other CSR and community projects. Our aim goes beyond just running an airline commercially but also to help those in need where and when we can. Our hearts go to the underprivileged, and we hope Muhammad Anas Sadiq’s dreams have been fulfilled. There’s no better feeling than to see a bright smile on his face and we pray that his health improves.”

“It is amazing how a sport like football is able to bring people closer, change one’s life and fulfill one’s dream. Our association with sports, culture, and entertainment will always be the avenue in strengthening our brand image, provide the opportunity for world unity and foster stronger ties locally and internationally, and of course provide the chance for everyone to fly the world,” concluded Azran.

Mister Potato and Mamee CEO, Datuk Wira Pang Tee Chew said “We are sincerely glad that we are able to make a dream come true for one Manchester United fan in this CSR collaboration with AirAsia X. In the past, Mamee and Mister Potato has given back to the community through various disaster recovery initiatives both locally and abroad. We have also collaborated with the Melaka government in setting up a dialysis centre especially for the underprivileged where the cost of their treatment is 100% sponsored. With our recent global partnership with Manchester United, we are looking forward to make more Malaysian dreams come true and experience the Manchester United magic.”

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Mohammad Anas Sadiq is all smiles with mother, Siti Nazriah binti Diman on the AirAsia X Premium seat upon flight departure to London Gatwick.

Anas with the players in Carrington, the Manchester United’s training ground at Old Trafford.